In 1926 a Boston importer discovered the Tuscan glassmaking town of Empoli, known for its rustic utilitarian glassware. By hiring Venetian maestros to train the Empoli glass blowers the importer sought to produce less expensive Venetian style glass. While the experiment failed, the influence can be seen throughout the succeeding decades. A resurgent interest in the Venetian style is evident during Empoli’s last productive period in the 1960’s.

The series presented here is defined by thin-walled and delicately colored glass. While executed in a grander scale and with simplified forms, it evokes the spirit of Murano in its elegance. Produced in greater quantities than other Empoli styles, this glass dominated the American market in the 1960’s and 70’s. Barely a single issue of House & Garden or House Beautiful was published without Empoli glass during this period.

Curated by Damon Crain / Culture Object

As a leading expert in mid-20th century glass Damon has published numerous articles in international publications and book. Museums who have consulted with Damon on acquisitions include the Corning Museum of Glass, the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, The Toledo Museum of Art, the Chrysler Museum, the Museum of Arts and Design and the Yale University Art Gallery. Damon was recently named a “Fellow” of the Corning Museum of Glass and has served as advisor to the West Virginia Museum of Glass, Vice President of the New York Metropolitan Glass Club, board member of Art Glass Forum | NY, and Director of the Blenko Museum of Seattle.